Prospective Outcomes of Standardized Non-operative Management of Pancreatic Trauma With Ductal Injury in Children: Less is More

Background

Traumatic pancreatic laceration with ductal injury in children can be managed non-operatively (NOM); however, variable management affects outcomes. We hypothesized that a standardized management approach with early feeding and limited resource utilization is safe and improves outcomes.

Method

Prospective, multicenter study of 13 pediatric trauma centers (2018–2022). Children with blunt pancreatic trauma with ductal injury were managed per a standard NOM pathway. Outcomes were compared to a historical NOM cohort with variable management.

Results

Of 22 patients, the median age was 7.5 years (range 1–14 years). Low-fat diet was started at median 4 days [IQR 2–7] and median hospital stay was 8 days [IQR 4–10]. One patient failed NOM and underwent distal pancreatectomy. Of the rest, most (17/21, 81%) had early recovery and discharged in median 6 days [IQR 4–8.25] while 4 (19%) had prolonged recovery (median stay 24 days, IQR 19.8–30.5) and higher peri-pancreatic cyst development (early 23.5% vs prolonged 75%,p = 0.05). Pancreatic ascites at presentation correlated with cyst development (p < 0.0001). Endoscopic stent (optional) was placed in 33% and did not prevent cyst development. Delayed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was noted in 1 patient. Compared to the historic cohort (32 patients), TPN use was lower (pre-protocol 56% vs post 23%, p = 0.02), days to diet was shorter (pre-protocol 7 vs post 4; p = 0.03), and cyst development was lower (pre-protocol 81% vs post 33%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Children with traumatic pancreatic ductal injury can be safely managed per the PTS NOM clinical pathway and most recover rapidly. Pancreatic ascites may predict pseudocyst formation.

Levels of Evidence

IV. Study type: therapeutic, comparative.